Being yourself means naturally allowing your personality to blossom. It is not something that can be forced; it must be nurtured.
This does not mean that you can't change over time; you should expect to gain varied knowledge, skills, abilities, and desires throughout life. However, what's important is that you make certain decisions along the way - decisions that allow you to be at peace with yourself, and with those around you as much as possible.
Unfortunately, being yourself is tough when many others want you to think, act, speak, and live according to what they think is right. Where do these societal expectations come from? Usually our family, media, workplace, government, religion, or some other authoritative group sets up a framework of regulations to be followed.
Sometimes these groups mean well and perhaps many of their decisions make sense, but overall they can't know you as an individual well enough to completely enforce their suggestions or commandments. No one controls your brain, heart, or soul except you. No one.
== Shyness Handicap ==
People who grow up with an unassuming personality may have trouble thinking for themselves, in some cases even into their teens or 20s. Perhaps friends, family, or school influenced them too easily, thanks to shyness and/or gullibility. Waffling on decisions becomes frustrating, so they must look inside themselves, as well as look around at the world, and eventually decide to make their own decisions.
You do not need to blindly adhere to every bit of information, but pick and choose what advice to follow, which can help you naturally cultivate the good points of your personality, including trust, confidence, talent, humility, and humor.
Don't like making decisions? Befuddled by too many options in life? That's okay. You don't have to take the bull by the horns every single day. Some may say that you are missing out on the best life has to offer, but part of being yourself is doing what you feel is right. Sometimes that might mean removing yourself from a confusing situation.
Whether you were a late bloomer or you have always allowed your personality to flourish, you are most likely still bombarded by some form of societal authority. If you wholeheartedly believe what you are told, whether via faith or knowledge, then go ahead and follow the expectations that are laid before you; otherwise, you must find your own way to the truth, therefore furthering your quest to be yourself.
== Parents ==
There is no substitute for good parenting. Most of us grew up learning from experiences that we filed in our young memories, to be retrieved later. Some were wonderful and some were horrific. When we examine some of those memories as adults, we realize that our parents probably had good reasons for allowing or creating these childhood experiences.
Even though you can now make your own decisions as an adult, you may have a parent who clings to the idea of his/her grown-up child being, well ... a child. They avoid cutting the umbilical cord for as long as possible, which may result in an overprotective or demanding elder.
If you're one of those "children," it can be extremely tough to cut those ties just enough to live life by your standards. If you don't, you may encounter major differences between what your life has become, and your parent's expectations. Gently remind your parent that you love him/her, but that you also need to make your own decisions.
Being yourself with respectful parents can help crystallize your decision-making.
== Friends ==
Sometimes peer pressure can be quite strong. You might go to a dance club with your pals because they truly want you to join them, despite your hatred of the club scene. Maybe you think bungee jumping is dangerous, football is boring, or the county agricultural fair stinks. Personality differences don't have to create conflict among friends, as long as you have the strength of conviction and the tactfulness to say "No, thanks" nicely.
You might try attending an event you truly enjoy, but go alone. It's easy to tell when you are enjoying yourself, and most people will naturally want to gravitate towards that. If you're not sure what you enjoy, step out and try a new hobby or learn a new skill. It's a hackneyed phrase, but "you don't know until you try" is still worth following. You never know what kind of new friends you'll make and how much more comfortable and accepted you'll feel.
Being yourself around true friends can help improve your social skills.
== Laws ==
The laws governing the general populace seem as prolific as ever. Obviously, if being yourself means going against the very laws that were created for your safety, you might think twice. That is, unless you don't care about going to jail or worse, injuring yourself.
That said, there are ways to let your voice be heard or to live the way you want without being seen as a vigilante. The options are too numerous to list here, but just keep in mind that there is more than one lawful way to suggest modifications to society. A well designed and well written web site is one possibility.
Even if you can't make the societal changes you want, you can still be confident in your freedom to verbalize your opinion, at least in most countries. You never know when the hint of an idea will reach the right people and changes might be made.
Being yourself in a free society can help safely initiate your productivity.
== Media ==
Those most responsible for planting seeds in our brains are the electronic media outlets: Internet, TV, and radio. Buy this! Watch that! Do it now! If you don't, you're not hip! Some folks in the media, especially the entertainment industry, need to realize that not everyone cares about being edgy or chic.
Luckily for us, most media commercials are easy to ignore. Sure, animations can be cool, graphics can be clear, quotes can be surprising, and sounds can be jazzy, but only you know what items or services are best for you. Don't let flashy advertising push you to buy, watch, or listen to something you know you don't like.
Being yourself in a commercialized society can help distinguish your personal style.
== Religion ==
Some religions seem to appeal to their flocks by way of extreme emotion: Either love or fear. Others are relatively relaxed in how they communicate with their members. No matter what faith you choose to follow, or even if you're not religious, you should follow teachings that feel natural to you.
Religion is a basic faith in the non-physical aspects of life. Therefore, consider that you are not only bettering the world in the name of a higher power, but also bettering yourself because you naturally believe in the way you live your life.
Being yourself via religion can help calm your soul.
== College ==
Many university administrations uphold the traditional concept that you have only four or five years to decide what you want to do as a profession. Never mind the very real possibility that you might change your mind or develop different interests later in life. Just take these classes and get out!
The up side to college enrollment is seen now more than ever - if you don't get that diploma for whatever reason, you can always go back to finish your first degree, or earn a second or third if you want. Time is less of a factor than it used to be. Also, some employers are looking at life experience as well as a college transcript.
Certainly, there are more factors to consider when planning your collegiate expectations, but in general, attending university is no longer a "now or never" proposition. It's up to you.
Being yourself at university can help expand your knowledge, more than once.
== Workplace ==
The bigger the corporation, it seems, the more umbrella statements the bigwigs spout to their employees. Working for an employer that you don't agree with or that makes you uncomfortable can be a tricky situation. Thinking "outside of the box" is good for creativity, but when your ideas are rejected, you start on the path towards lethargy, neglect, or high stress.
If you have any fear of losing your job, or some other major blow from the boss, start looking for another job. Most people spend more time at their jobs than anywhere else, by necessity, so you'd better find a job/employer you enjoy. Don't waste away in a place you don't like because of fear or depression - start a job hunt or perhaps go into business for yourself!
Being yourself at work can help relieve your stress and explore achievable rewards.
== Summary ==
The various aspects of our lives are numerous and can be quite cumbersome, but the machinations of society have not beaten us. If you listen to your inner voice, you will increase your chances of being yourself and truly flourishing.